HALEY FOSTER

In hard times like these, I am proud to be Jewish. My Jewish involvement at

Temple Beth Miriam, my sleepaway camp, and my community have all consisted of

memorable and meaningful experiences I hope to share with you. As I go off to college

next year, I hope to have the same impact and involvement as I did here. I believe my

Jewish involvement has shaped who I am today.

 

One notable aspect of my involvement is my role as a Madricha. This commitment

demonstrates a strong dedication to the education and well-being of the younger members

of my community. By assisting with Sunday school, I contributed to the preservation and

transmission of Jewish traditions, values, and knowledge to the next generation. In

addition to being a Madricha, I have been involved with Rabbi Cy’s Teen Academy.

These classes were always enjoyable, but they also made me curious and want to dive

deeper into Judaism. By engaging in meaningful discussions and educational activities, I

not only expand my own knowledge but also contribute to the overall richness and

diversity of the program.

 

The next aspect is my continuing involvement in the Judaic activities at my

sleepaway camp. This summer, I am super excited to be a counselor and also be the

assistant Judaics Director. My favorite part of camp has always been Shabbat because it’s

always such a joyous time. We have services, dinner, and then the fun part, Israeli

Dancing. Shabbat is always a good time for our camp community to come together and

celebrate Judaism.

 

Lastly, the Jewish community was hit hard by the October 7th attacks. I even knew

someone, who was a counselor at my camp, who unfortunately died while being held

hostage. Antisemitism is an ongoing issue and I try to help fight it in every way I can.

One example of this was my participation in my town’s “Bring Them Home Now ” night.

This event focused on raising awareness and support for issues affecting the Jewish

community, like the rising antisemitism on college campuses and the fact that over one

hundred Jews are being held hostage for simply being Jewish. This night was a very

pivotal moment in my year and seeing the number of people who showed up and joined

us in praying for the hostages made me very proud of this community.

 

Overall, my involvement in the Jewish community, temple, and camp through

these various activities showcases my commitment to service, education, and social

responsibility. I am extremely passionate about advocating for Judaism through different

activities and will continue my involvement in my future endeavors.